Tikal Ruins Day Tour in Flores – What to Expect and How to Book?

Planning on touring the spectacular Tikal ruins in Flores, Guatemala? This comprehensive guide covers what you can expect from the tour, how to book, and more.

What is the Tikal Ruins Day Tour in Flores?

Nestled in the northern jungle of Guatemala, the Tikal National Park is the home of the ancient Maya city of Tikal. Standing tall since the 4th century, this massive archaeological complex features several impressive temples, pyramids, and acropolises.

What makes this place so special, however, is the beauty of its lush surroundings that make it look like something out of a movie. This unique combination of history and natural beauty makes Tikal one of Guatemala’s most popular attractions.

To make the most out of your visit, the best way to explore is to book a day tour from Flores. Also called La Isla de los Monos (The Island of Monkeys), Flores is a charming city located in northern Guatemala just three hours’ drive away from Tikal.

From there, you can easily arrange a guided tour to take you through Tikal’s archeological sites while a local guide explains the culture and history of the city.

What to Expect

On a typical Tikal Ruins Day Tour in Flores, you can expect to:

• Visit the various archeological sites at Tikal
• Explore the ruins of Acropolises I and II and their multiple palaces and temples
• Climb up the crumbling steps of Temple IV, the tallest building of Pre-Columbian America standing at a whopping 70 meters high
• See the many Maya sculptures like stelae and altars
• Appreciate the surrounding wildlife, such as howler monkeys, toucans, macaws, parrots and various reptiles

Most tours start at 5 am with pick-up at your hotel or hostel in Flores. Then heading for the National Park for some unbelievable viewing of incredible Mayan temples in contrasting beautiful rainforest. Your experienced guide will point you to all the exciting points from atop Temple IV including an amazing view of two square miles of untouched rainforest and make sure that you take enough amzing photos to remember your day.

Once finished with the tour at Tikal you will head back to Flores where you should arrive by 4 pm or 5 pm depending on your speed. During that time your lunch will be served at some local spot.

How Much Does a Tour Cost?

The cost of a day tour of Tikal ruins in Flores can vary greatly depending on the number of people in your group and the tour operator you choose. Generally, prices start at around $100 – $150 per person while luxury tours can cost up to $250. It is also important to keep in mind that entrance fees to the park must be paid separately and are not included in the tour cost. For example, entrance fees for foreign adults and children over 6 years old is USD $37.

How to Book a Tour?

Once you have chosen the tour that best suits your needs, all you have to do is book it in advance. A few popular service providers for Tikal ruins day tours include Viator, Tours4Fun, GetYourGuide, and TripAdvisor.
Alternatively, you can ask your hotel or hostel for help as there are quite a few agencies based in Flores providing day tours for reasonable prices.

Conclusion

Exploring the ancient city of Tikal is an unforgettable experience and booking an organized tour from Flores is the best way to ensure that you make the most out of your visit. With this guide, you now know what to expect from the tour and how to book it easily.
To reserve your seat on a Tikal ruins day tour departing from Flores, click here.

An Insider’s Guide to Flores, Guatemala: Exploring Beyond the Tikal Ruins Tour

Flores, a small island city located in Lake Peten Itza, is a hidden gem that is often forgotten in the itinerary of travelers visiting the region. Most visitors come to Flores to explore the Tikal Ruins National Park, and while these ruins are undoubtedly impressive, there is so much more to discover in this charming city. As an insider, I will share some of the lesser-known attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will make your visit to Flores unforgettable.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems in Flores

Apart from the famous Tikal Ruins, there are many other places to explore in Flores. One such place is the Mirador del Rey Canek. This place is a viewpoint located on a hill, offering visitors a 360-degree view of the island and the surrounding lake.

Another hidden gem is the nearby Yaxha Ruins, which are situated 2 hours away from Flores and often overlooked by tourists. The site boasts two stunning lakes and a vast forest region, attracting nature enthusiasts alongside those seeking Mayan history.

Lastly, take an enjoyable stroll through the Flores streets early in the morning or late at night to see the locals going about their day and take in the city’s charm when at its most tranquil.

A Taste of Flores: Local Cuisine and Dining Spots

While in Flores, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy authentic Guatemalan food. The island is well known for dishes such as Pepian, Chuchitos, and Caldo de Res. Try Pepian as it is a traditional meat stew with a spicy kick typical of Flores cuisine. To satiate your thirst, sample the local drink horchata.

For dining spots, visit La Luna, a restaurant offering a serene ambiance and an array of international cuisine, or Posada de la Jungla, which offers a fantastic garden setting with unique takes on local dishes.

Uncovering Cultural Experiences in Flores

During your visit to Flores, immerse yourself in the captivating cultural experiences this city has to offer. Dolores Church is one such experience, known for its glamorous interior and architectural design. Local markets are also a must-do, so head to Santa Elena to grab handmade textiles, jewelry, and other wares. Finally, try to visit the Cultural Center La Casa de la Cultura once on the island to enjoy painting, sculpture and various artistic expressions and exhibitions.

Local History: Fascinating Flores Stories

As you explore Flores, immerse yourself in the city’s vivid history. Visit the Cathedral of Flores as it is an essential piece of the city’s history, initially built in the 16th century and then restored multiple times. The cathedral stands in the central part of Flores and has witnessed several significant events throughout history.

Another attraction that speaks to the history of Flores as a colonial city is the Santo Domingo Church, which was restored as a cultural monument in the 80s since it plays a significant role in the city’s cultural heritage.

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Suggestions Beyond the Usual

When exploring Flores, venture out of town to San Miguel, where you will find ancient Mayan ruins that are still intact and undiscovered by the majority of visitors. You could also head to the Ixpanpajul Nature Reserve for a visit to the canopy and the fantastic views it offers from its treetops.

A road trip to the Lago de Izabal Marina that links up with the Rio Dulce via the canal to Livingston is another off-the-beaten-path suggestion that provides an adventurous tour of the surrounding nature and remarkable cultural discovery.

In Conclusion;

Flores has more to offer than you might at first glance. Exploring beyond Tikal Ruins can offer so much more to explore, see, and experience. Take your journey a bit further, and discover this hidden gem situated in the middle of the picturesque Lake Peten Itza.